Stupnianek K, Wu MS, Schmitt M. A school rampage threatens beliefs in justice: A longitudinal study of the belief in a just world among Chinese adolescents.
J Pers 2021;
90:690-702. [PMID:
34797587 DOI:
10.1111/jopy.12691]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
The current study examined whether and how severe injustice such as a school attack threatens the belief in a just world (BJW).
METHOD
We collected longitudinal data on the BJW from adolescents in China who witnessed random school attacks on the news (N = 227).
RESULTS
Change analyses provided evidence that the BJW increased after witnessing severe injustice. Furthermore, we tested for moderating effects of buffer variables, such as life satisfaction and perceived social support, on change in the BJW. Findings showed that these variables buffered the threat to the BJW after observing unfairness.
DISCUSSION
We discuss these results in the context of justice motive theory and suggest implications for future research and practical implications.
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